"To tell you the truth, I missed it," he said.

Scholfield will lead the Ferntree Gully District Cricket Association team at the annual country cricket carnival and will take an exciting and youthful side into the week-long event which starts on January 16.

The Knoxfield star said he couldn't wait to strap on the pads for his association although he didn't have much knowledge about the strength of other associations.

"After missing the past few years I'm not too sure but because teams change so much each year we will find out a lot during the first few matches," he said.

Scholfield said his batsmen would need to toe the line and make runs, as he was confident his bowling stocks would be among the best in the competition.

The FTGDCA bowlers will be led by Johnson Park duo Troy Gstrein and Usman Arif. The latter is the Sharks' English import.

"Arif is pretty fast. I wouldn't think too many sides will have a player like him in their side," Scholfield said.

While the FTGDCA side will be focused on claiming back-to-back titles in the competition, Scholfield said he didn't want his team to lose track of the most important rule at country week.

"We want to win but we also need to enjoy it," he said. "It's a great chance to get to know other cricketers from the association and have a really fun week."

FTGDCA country week squad: Trent Scholfield (captain), Knoxfield; Jay Colee (vice-captain), Upper Ferntree Gully; Aaron Walter, Monbulk; Luke McComb, Ferntree Gully Footballers; Wayne McInerney, Knox Gardens; Scott McKenzie, Knoxfield; Jayden Bradbury, Ferntree Gully; Usman Arif, Johnson Park; Ryan Handley, Ferntree Gully; Danny Beyer, Upper Ferntree Gully; Troy Gstrein, Johnson Park; Steven Devenish, Johnson Park.

FTGDCA Bendigo Country Week draw

January 16 v Portland at Queen Elizabeth Oval

January 17 v Campaspe at Bell Oval, Bendigo

January 18 v Shepparton at Kennington Oval, Bendigo

January 19 v Castlemaine at Eaglehawk

January 20 Final at Eaglehawk